Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Significant reforms for small businesses gets approved

• 49ers clinch the NFC West

• A deep dive into the life of Ansel Adams

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”

-Willie Nelson

San Francisco Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, a beloved city landmark, was originally constructed for a specific event. What was the event for which it was originally built?

A) The California Gold Rush Centennial

B) The Panama-Pacific International Exposition

C) The San Francisco World's Fair

D) The Golden Gate International Exposition

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

San Francisco's Office of Small Business announced significant reforms approved by the Board of Supervisors. These reforms aim to improve the small business permitting process and address commercial vacancies more effectively. The legislation introduces 100 changes to the Planning Code to streamline procedures and support local businesses​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Pivotal Life Sciences, a global investment firm focusing on healthcare innovation, announced the final close of its Pivotal bioVenture Partners Fund II with $389 million in capital commitments. This fund aims to invest in North American and European companies developing innovative and impactful therapeutics. With this new fund, Pivotal bioVenture Partners' total capital commitments have reached $689 million​​. (link)

Adobe Inc. withdrew its $20 billion acquisition bid for London-based start-up Figma Inc. This decision came amidst resistance faced in the European market. Figma, known for its collaborative interface design tools, had been a significant target for Adobe's expansion efforts. (link)

🏒 Sports

The San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC West for the second consecutive season following a decisive 45-29 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Brock Purdy led the team with an outstanding performance, passing for 242 yards and four touchdowns. The 49ers improved their record to 11-3 and are now focusing on securing the top seed in the NFC for the playoffs​​. (link)

The Golden State Warriors emerged victorious over the Washington Wizards with a score of 129-118. Stephen Curry shone brightly, scoring 30 points, including eight 3-pointers. The Warriors showed a strong team performance, with Jonathan Kuminga and Klay Thompson contributing significantly. This win marked Golden State's fourth consecutive victory​​. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens (December 25): The NFL Christmas Day schedule includes an exciting game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. This primetime matchup is set to take place at 8:15 PM, promising an intense battle between these two renowned teams. (link)

🏀 Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors (December 28): Basketball fans can enjoy a thrilling NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco as the Miami Heat face off against the Golden State Warriors. Scheduled for 7:00 PM, this game is expected to be a showcase of skill and competition. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎸 LCD Soundsystem (December 30): Celebrate New Year's Eve with the indie dance legends LCD Soundsystem at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Known for their influential impact on modern alternative music, their dance-rock style draws from various iconic influences. (link)

🎻 Railroad Earth (December 28 - 29): Railroad Earth, a band known for blending bluegrass, rock, jazz, and celtic folk music, will be performing at The Fillmore. Their unique sound and genre-bending performances make for an unforgettable live music experience. (link)

Family

🎿 SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (December 31): Enjoy ice skating at Union Square Park's holiday-themed ice rink. This long-standing San Francisco tradition offers a festive and enjoyable outdoor activity, perfect for families looking to celebrate the holiday season in a quintessential city setting. (link)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Francisco as a giant theme park” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Francisco History

The Establishment of the Presidio (1776)

The establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco in 1776 marked a pivotal moment in the city's early history. Founded by Spanish explorers led by Juan Bautista de Anza, the Presidio served as a military fortification, part of Spain's strategic effort to expand and consolidate its influence along the California coast. Its establishment laid the groundwork for the development of San Francisco, securing the region's position in the growing Spanish Empire.

The Presidio's strategic location at the entrance of San Francisco Bay made it a key military and trading post. It played a crucial role in protecting Spanish interests in the region, particularly against foreign encroachments. The fort also facilitated cultural and economic exchanges, significantly impacting the indigenous populations and the area's development.

Over time, the Presidio evolved from a Spanish fort to a Mexican and then a U.S. Army post, reflecting the changing political landscape. Today, it is a National Park site and a historic landmark, preserving a rich legacy that spans over two centuries. The Presidio remains an emblem of San Francisco's diverse history, from its colonial beginnings to its current status as a bustling, multicultural city.

Famous San Franciscans

Ansel Adams: 1902-1984

Ansel Adams was an iconic American photographer and environmentalist, renowned for his black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West, especially Yosemite National Park. While born in San Francisco, Adams' work and activism extended far beyond his native city, leaving an indelible mark on both the art of photography and environmental conservation.

Early Life in San Francisco (1902-1916) 

Born on February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California, Ansel Adams was an only child. His early exposure to the beauty of the natural world, particularly during family trips to Yosemite National Park, sparked his lifelong passion for nature and photography.

The 1906 Earthquake and Youthful Explorations (1906-1919) 

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire had a formative impact on Adams. The family's home was damaged but remained standing, allowing them to rebuild their lives amidst the city's reconstruction. Adams' youth was marked by exploration and a growing love for the outdoors, influenced by the diverse landscapes of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Discovery of Yosemite and Photography (1919-1927) 

Adams first visited Yosemite National Park in 1916, an experience that deeply moved him and solidified his passion for both the park and photography. He received his first camera during this trip, a Kodak Brownie box camera, and began capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Early Career and Marriage (1927-1935) 

Adams married Virginia Best in 1928, who was a significant supporter of his career. In the early days, he worked as a commercial photographer but gradually shifted to a focus on the landscapes for which he would become famous.

Developing a Unique Style (1935-1942) 

During the 1930s, Adams developed his signature style – sharply focused and carefully framed images of natural landscapes. He became involved with the Sierra Club, advocating for the conservation of wilderness areas, including Yosemite.

Environmental Advocacy and the Sierra Club (1942-1955) 

Adams' work with the Sierra Club extended to his photography, which he used as a tool for environmental advocacy. His images became synonymous with the beauty of the American wilderness and the importance of preserving it.

Creative Achievements and Recognition (1955-1968) 

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Adams' work gained significant recognition. He published several books of his photographs, which received critical acclaim for both their artistic merit and their powerful message of environmental preservation.

Teaching and Influence (1968-1975) 

Adams dedicated much of his later life to teaching the art of photography. He influenced a generation of photographers and conservationists, sharing his techniques and philosophy on the interconnectedness of art and nature.

Legacy and Death (1975-1984) 

Adams passed away on April 22, 1984, leaving a profound legacy in both the art world and environmental movement. His photographs continue to be celebrated for their technical excellence and emotive power, inspiring continued efforts in conservation.

Ansel Adams and San Francisco 

Though Adams' work took him far beyond San Francisco, the city remained a crucial part of his identity. His early experiences in the diverse landscapes of Northern California shaped his perspectives and artistic vision.

Key Achievements of Ansel Adams:

• Revolutionized landscape photography with his distinct style and technique.

• Became a leading voice in the environmental movement through his art.

• His photographs of Yosemite and the American West are globally acclaimed.

• Influenced generations of photographers and conservationists.

• His work continues to inspire a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Ansel Adams' journey from the streets of San Francisco to the vast wilderness of the American West illustrates the profound impact one individual can have through the lens of a camera, combining artistic vision with environmental advocacy.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen